Deadline for written questions: 5.19.2017Deadline for submissions: 6.9.2017

The Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission (PSMFC) has a requirement for a trawl vessel and crew to conduct studies in 2017 to evaluate the performance of trawl gear being utilized in Alaskan fisheries and fish behavior in those nets. The base charter will consist of 10 charter days, with an option for the PSMFC to extend the contract for up to 10 additional charter days and for one-year option periods (2018 and 2019).

The purpose of this research is to better understand and determine mitigation measures for bycatch, bycatch mortality, and contact of trawl gear with the seafloor. Primary research goals for the charter trips will focus on, but are not limited to (1) increasing salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.) and halibut (Hippoglossus stenolepis) escapement rates for commercial fishing gear; evaluating the dynamics of the pelagic trawl gear used to capture walleye Pollock (Gadus chalcogrammus, hereaft.er, “pollock”); and determining optimal ways to monitor fish behavior in the trawl net.

Posted: 5.1.2017

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